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Hi, I was wondering if someone could advise me if this is worth saving and/or how to fix the side of this bench? Different panels have got rot in it. Which is the best wood to replace the side parts? Do I take measurements and ask Bunnings to cut them to size for me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @James9. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing a chair.
It looks like your outdoor bench could be saved with a bit of work and the right materials. Sections have decayed or suffered insect damage, particularly on the side panels. To restore it, you’ll need to remove the affected parts and replace them with new timber pieces.
First, start by carefully disassembling the seat on the side where the damaged panels are located. This will allow you to access the affected sections without damaging other parts of the bench. As you take it apart, inspect the entire structure for any additional signs of rot or insect damage—sometimes, other sections may also be compromised, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible.
To replace the wood, you'll want timber that’s resistant to outdoor conditions. In similar sizes, you'll likely only find treated Pine. Take careful measurements of the parts that need replacing. Once you have the measurements, you can bring them to your local Bunnings store; depending on the sizes, they should be able to assist with cutting.
Before reassembling the bench, consider treating all the timber pieces with an outdoor wood preservative to protect against future rot damage. This will help prolong the life of the bench once it’s restored. If the hardware (like screws or bolts) is also rusty or worn, it’s a good idea to replace these with stainless steel or galvanised options, which will hold up better outdoors.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Your bench is likely made from a hardwood @James9, which can be challenging to match in terms of dimensions and appearance. Most commonly available replacement options include treated Pine, but this will look noticeably different because it’s a lighter-coloured timber. To achieve a more uniform appearance, you’d need to stain the Pine to match the rest of the bench. However, keep in mind that your existing timber has likely weathered and greyed over time, so even new hardwood won’t match its current colour.
For the best result, consider a full restoration of the bench. Start by sanding all the existing hardwood back to a sound surface, which will remove the greyed layer and restore the original colour underneath. Once this is done, you can stain the new sections to blend them with the older pieces. Follow up with an outdoor timber oil to seal and protect the bench, ensuring it holds up well against the elements.
If you prefer to use untreated hardwood to avoid the need for staining, you’ll need to source it in the correct dimensions. However, using untreated Pine is not recommended, as it will deteriorate quickly when exposed to outdoor conditions.
Ultimately, treated Pine offers durability and is readily available, making it a practical choice, but achieving a cohesive look will require some additional effort in sanding, staining, and oiling the entire bench. This approach not only restores the aesthetic but also extends the life of your bench.
Please let me know fi you have any questions.
Mitchell
